A
VOCABULARY FOR NEWCOMERS
Because
of the many questions that people ask me about our congregation,
I have assembled a list of terms commonly used in my conversations
with people. I hope this will be helpful to all our readers,
old and new.
Absolution:
That portion at the beginning of each Sunday's service when,
with the congregation still kneeling, the pastor rises and pronounces
God's unconditional forgiveness. Lutherans believe that there
is nothing else people must do to earn salvation, except to
trust in what God has done for us through Christ's death and
resurrection.
Baptism:
The sprinkling of water that expresses God's initiating a relationship
of trust and forgiveness with his people. Lutherans generally
are baptized as infants.
Bible:
Lutherans do not view the Bible primarily as a moral handbook,
but as a record of God's mighty acts with Israel and his Church.
Scriptures provide us with a window for understanding God's
supreme revelation in Jesus Christ.
Choir:
Rehearses Sundays at 9:30.
Church:
The assembly of people who gather regularly to admit their spiritual
and emotional emptiness before a gracious God and who receive
their strength and direction from his Word and Sacraments.
Communion:
Administered on the first and third Sundays of each month, the
bread and wine re-present Christ's forgiving presence with us
as with his erring disciples the night before his death.
Confirmation:
A two-year program of instruction that seeks to interpret the
Old and New Testaments, Ten Commandments, Lord's Prayer, Apostles'
Creed, Baptism, Lord's Supper and life of the church to our
young people, generally in the 7th and 8th grades. Held Sundays
at 9:00.
Ethical
Decisions: Lutherans do not turn the pulpit into a political
podium in an effort to legislate how the believer is to lead
his life. Responsible Christians conscientiously may take different
sides on complicated moral issues today. Yet we realize all
of our lives are affected by our alienation from the Source
of Life. It is God's grace, not our decisions or "works"
that save us.
Glen
Lutheran Church: Organized in 1955, Glen is one of 11,000
congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Luther:
16th century German monk turned Bible professor who led the
Protestant Reformation against peddling salvation for sale and
for proclamation of God's grace as a free gift.
Membership:
A series of three classes leading to membership are conducted
several times each year. Classes focus on Martin Luther, Lutheran
teachings and the history and organization of the congregation.
All inquirers are welcome. This can be a great way to make new
friends!
Nursery:
Child care is provided Sundays after Labor Day from 9:00 until
11:30.
Saints:
You, me and all God's people who know their need for him. Yes,
we're not perfect, just forgiven!
Sunday
School: Sundays from 9:00 to 10:00 during the school year.
Adults too!
Worship:
Sundays from 10:30 to 11:30. Familiar hymns, sermons bringing
together God's Word and our world. Fellowship hour afterwards
on the last Sunday.
Youth:
Our Luther League gathers at least twice monthly for trips,
education, service and fun.
Pastor Berg
